BAY CITY, MI — A former Bay County assistant prosecutor has thrown his hat in the ring for the county’s top law enforcement position.

Patrick O. Duggan, 59, has announced he is running for Bay County prosecutor in this year’s upcoming election. As a Democrat, Duggan will appear on the ballot against incumbent and fellow Democrat Kurt C. Asbury in the Aug. 7 primary.

A resident of Bay County for 33 years, Duggan worked as one of the county’s assistant prosecutors from 1979 to 1988, serving as its chief assistant the last five years. He then served as a deputy Bay County executive from 1989 to 1992 before working in private practice, handling civil cases and criminal defense. Since 1995, Duggan has worked as Saginaw County’s senior trial attorney, personally trying 111 felony cases there.

“I had heard many complaints from citizens about the operation of the prosecutor’s office over the past four years,” Duggan said, “but I was particularly concerned about what law officers were telling me.”

Duggan sent out a 10-question survey to all Bay County police officers, asking them to articulate their issues with the way the prosecutor’s office is being run. In all, 43 officers responded, with the majority of their feedback unfavorable toward Asbury.

To the prompt of how Asbury has performed since taking over as prosecutor in 2006, three replied “well,” 22 said “okay” and 17 answered “poorly.” To the question of whom they would vote for given the options of Asbury, Duggan and attorney Edward M. Czuprynski, who ran against Asbury in 2008, three said Asbury, zero said Czuprynski, three were undecided and 34 said Duggan.

“If the voters make that same choice, I would be honored to serve all my fellow citizens the next four years as their prosecutor for Bay County,” Duggan said. “I would bring to that office leadership, accountability, teamwork, commitment and my 26 years of expertise as a tough trial prosecutor.”

Duggan is encouraging citizens with questions to email him directly at patrickoduggan@yahoo.com.